[D1 LA] Seeing What the Eyes Can See

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 4:13 am

"The heavens work in mysterious ways"

She motions to the blood on the Doji

"After all, it seems your skills were in need, and if it was anyone else in your place, it is unknown to say where they would have been when the court broke into chaos."

Mogami looks to the sky for a moment as she walks, taking in the clear winter sky.

"Certainly the heavens look down on us all now. Do you think this is a test of sort?"

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi thought for a moment. "I do not know. In some ways, it feels as though we have already failed. But then, they say that the truest test is the last one."

He shook his head. "In any case, your words have given me some comfort. Perhaps if it is a test, we can at least set aside my concern at the randomness of it all and focus properly on the injustice of these flawed ancestors."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 4:46 am

"I know you cannot speak for you clan as a whole, but what of you and those under you in this city? If the horror unleashed at Winter Court were to follow us here, what stance would you take?"

She looks to the man, a piercing severity in her eyes

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi suppressed a chuckle. "If the spirits who did this came here, we would all fight. Or, I promise you, we would all die."

He fixed the Matsu with his own stare. The haunted light in his eyes welled up from behind the mask of serenity years of service in a bloody medical world had left him with.

"I should think Lord Shimizu would do well to send messengers apprising senior figures in the Lion clan of the gravity of our situation."

The smile returned. "For all that my opinion is worth."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 5:13 am

The piercing intensity in Mogami's eyes fades at the answer.

"I agree with you. The Governor will certainly have a similar assessment. Though, with the speed it took us from Morikage Toshi to travel here, I am unsure how fast any reinforcements could arrive before the Steel Chrysanthemum's force arrives on our doorstep."

She looks up from the street to a city wall in the distance.

"We have good walls here, and the natural defenses on both the North and South of the city prevent any army from reasonably attacking from that direction. The East gate, where we arrived this morning, will likely be the place of battle, if there is one. The west the designated line for a tactical withdraw, as the port lies a reasonable distance out that way."

She looks back to the Doji again.

"Would you rather be on the East, or West?"

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi blinked. "I suppose that I am surprised the question was put so directly..."

He hesitated. "You asked me which I prefer, and I must tell you that I would prefer to fight. However, I know that my skill with medicine may see my service called in another direction. As I say, it is seldom possible for one in my situation to decide where to serve. Let the commander dispose of me in whatever way they deem best."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 5:23 am

Mogami scowled for a brief moment before recovering.

"Ah, forgive me for the directness. As I am to gather the information I can for my tactical report, it is best for me to have all the answers that I could be asked. Your willingness to assist is quite appreciated, though the Lion here are strong, Doji-sama. The only reason you should ever have to raise your blade in this city is after all the Lion have breathed their last."

She lets out a tense sigh.

"But it is still good to know the offer."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

The Doji nodded. "I meant no criticism, Matsu-san, and I have faith in you and your clan."

A pause. "I don't suppose..." Hesitation. "I don't suppose that, in your canvassing of the castle, you have come across Akodo Akihino? She would not have been among the main body of refugees, but perhaps she arrived separately?"

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 5:38 am

Mogami closes her eyes for a moment as they walk, thinking.

"The name does not sound familiar, Doji-sama, though the day has already been long and I have seen many."

She glances back to her Budoka.

"You two remember anyone by that name?"

The two men look to each other with wide eyes and stammer for a moment.

"You are being asked a direct question, and I have just admitted the day is long and my mind a blur. If you have, it would not be improper to speak up in this one instance. "

The men look unease again before both shaking their heads no.

"...no, Matsu-sama."

"We apologize, the name is not recognized to us"

Mogami gives a nod and then turns back to the Doji.

"I am sorry, -sama. I do not believe that person is here, or if they are, not that I am aware. We are almost to the Shiro, I am sure the Governor would know."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi's face momentarily reflects a complex cocktail of emotions. Concern is evident, but there are other things at play here.

"Just so. I...well, I suppose that it is no use worrying. Perhaps she is in another castle."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 5:47 am

"Indeed."

Mogami walks in silence for a few moments, letting the man have time to ease his mind.

"So.." she begins to break the silence after they cross a street and the Shiro comes into view, but still a little bit of a walk ahead.

"Have you been to Toshi no Omoidoso before?"

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

"I am afraid not, Matsu-san, though it seems a charming enough place."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:08 am

"There is a story you may be fond of. The Phoenix were quite proud of this before they gifted us the city. Harsh Lesson Garden is said to have had a Kenku many years ago who stood in the garden for all to challenge him, but none could surpass him in skill, so he left. The Phoenix say that if one were to ever best the Kenku should he return, you would be allowed to train in their ways."

She lets a soft, childlike smile fill her features.

"Our bushi think the tale one that the Phoenix told their students so they would train harder in the dojo though."

She shrugs

"Who knows the real truth."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi slowly cleared his mind from his anxieties.

"I...well, stories of kenku are popular in Crane lands as well. And of course, the northeast of the Empire is famous for sightings of mystical beings. It would not be outside the realm of possibility."

He smiled. "And it is a nice story, either way. Cities need a way to set themselves apart."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 1:51 pm

"Are there any grand tales from where you come from? I'm guessing Kyuden Doji to be a city full of artisans and storytellers. The Crane as a whole are masters of the higher pursuits."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

"Oh, well...Kyuden Doji is home to the Thousand Blossom Path, which is a garden said to have been planted by Doji-kami herself. In its center is a black stone, perfectly smooth but of some height, from which can be seen the Imperial Palace in Otosan Uchi many miles away. It is said that this is the place where the children of Lord Moon and Lady Sun first alit on Ningen-do. It is for that reason that Lady Doji made it her home, and that this most sacred of palaces has never fallen to an enemy."

He smiled. "Although we like to think that Lady Doji's sons have something to do with that last bit."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 2:08 pm

“Certainly something pleasant to think on.”

The teenage woman seems a little disappointed somehow in the tale, but nonetheless continues on, walking in quiet contemplation.

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi smiled pleasantly, largely ignorant of the Matsu's misgivings. The short distance to the castle was crossed, and Koushi bowed again to the Matsu.

"Well, I should not monopolize any more of your time, Matsu-san. Other clans remain to be accounted for, I am sure. Thank you for your assistance, and your company."

Matsu Mogami · **Posted:** Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:04 pm

Mogagmi returns the bow. lower.

"It was pleasant talking and walking with you, Doji-sama. Please, should you require anything during your stay, you may ask one of the castle servants to send word to me."

Doji Koushi · **Joined:** Sat Apr 04, 2020 5:22 am **Posts:** 314

Koushi nods. "I will be sure to do so, Matsu-san. And likewise, if the Left Hand can assist the Right, let me know."

Another bow, and then an /exit into the castle.

[D1 LA] Seeing What the Eyes Can See

Who is online